Mitchell, Lake set to miss against Swans

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HAWTHORN is set to enter Friday night's grudge match against Lance Franklin and his Sydney Swans without Sam Mitchell and Brian Lake after the star pair were injured in a record-breaking win over St Kilda on Saturday.

The reigning premiers dominated the possession count (478-329), marks (114-62) and inside 50s (68-25), and also won contested ball, hit-outs and clearances.

Thirteen Hawks had 23 possessions or more, including first-gamer Billy Hartung, who gathered 26 touches with six marks and kicked 1.1 in only three quarters of game time.

The thumping win was a fitting celebration for Jordan Lewis' 200th game and a near faultless performance.

"We don't judge it in that regard," Clarkson said post-match.

"We judge it in terms of the three elements of the game – when we've got it, when they've got it and when the ball is in dispute – and we were strong in all facets of the game today, so we were really pleased with that.

"But we know full well it's not going to be that easy next Friday night.

"It's not often that you turn up and get a day like that today, but we know that we've got Sydney next Friday night up at ANZ (Stadium) and that's going to be a tough assignment for us."

Even without Lake, the Hawks have the depth to match-up on Franklin in Josh Gibson, Ben Stratton and Ryan Schoenmakers.

Gibson held Nick Riewoldt goal-less on Saturday and collected 30 touches of his own, while Stratton (corked hip) could be in the frame to return after being a late withdrawal against the Saints.

Schoenmakers showed he has the ability to play back and forward – booting four goals in less than three quarters before being pushed back to cover for Lake in an impressive return from a knee reconstruction.

Clarkson will mull over the best fit for 'Buddy' this week – if Franklin recovers from a knee injury in time – but said the two-time premiership Hawk is now just "another opponent".

"We're not even sure if 'Buddy' will play, if he does it's just another guy we've got to come up against," he said.

"We know him pretty well, but they've got 21 others that we've got to worry about. He'll just be wearing a red and white jumper.

"They're a really good side, they've started the season a little bit slower, but they're starting to hit their straps a little bit now so we’re looking forward to that contest.

"It will be a great challenge for us and it will be on for young and old, I'm sure."

Hawthorn players carry Jordan Lewis from the ground after his 200th game (below). Picture: AFL Media

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